Two MoUs strengthen Malaysia-China cooperation in new technology and satellites
17/04/2025 06:30 MYT
Two MoUs strengthen Malaysia-China cooperation in new technology and satellites
Anwar (right) and Xi Jinping (left) witness the MoU exchange ceremony between the governments of Malaysia and China - both countries represented by Chang Lih Kang (second, right) and Ouyang Yujing (second, left), on Wednesday. - Named Pictures
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and China on Wednesday signed two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in the field of emerging technologies and satellite navigation systems in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia which began Tuesday.
The first MoU involves Mutual Support for the Establishment of Joint Laboratories in the Field of Emerging Technologies, signed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang and the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, Ouyang Yujing, witnessed by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Xi.
According to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), the MoU aims to support research institutions, higher education institutions and enterprises in their efforts to establish joint laboratories to enhance high-impact technology collaboration.
The lab will focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, biotechnology, advanced materials technology, renewable energy, as well as other jointly identified emerging technologies.
"The signing of this MoU marks a strategic leap in Malaysia's efforts to strengthen the country's technology and innovation ecosystem," according to a MOSTI statement.
MOSTI informed that collaboration with China will open access to world-class expertise, accelerate technology transfer and strengthen the development of joint laboratories in high-impact fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and renewable energy.
This initiative is in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the MADANI Government's policies which focus on innovation-based economic growth, high-value industries and the creation of highly skilled jobs for the people.
The second MoU involves cooperation between MOSTI and the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) in the application of the BeiDou Global Navigation Satellite System (BDS).
This MoU aims to strengthen technical cooperation between the two countries in research, development and use of BDS-based technology and local Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, finance and manufacturing.
"This collaboration will open up opportunities for research institutions, universities and industry players to develop smart applications based on satellite data, particularly using the BDS system which is currently one of the world's leading global satellite navigation systems," according to MOSTI.
This strategic collaboration is seen as an important step in strengthening the local space technology ecosystem and accelerating the transfer of high-impact technology to Malaysia, in line with the country's aspirations towards a digital future.
MOSTI explained that these two MoUs complement the Agreement on Cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) signed on 4 Oct 2013 as well as the MoU on the Exchange of Expertise Programme in Science and Technology signed on 19 June 2024.
-- BERNAMA
